NationMaster - Statistics on Switzerland. facts and figures, stats and information on Swiss economy, crime, people, government, health and education. 19 maps and 2920 flags

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Borders:

Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Population:

7,581,520

GDP per capita:

$51,032.66 per capita

Capital with population:

Bern - 129,423

Largest city with population:

Zürich - 366,145

Alternative names:

Switzerland, Swiss Confederation, Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, Confederation Suisse, Confederazione Svizzera, Schweiz, Suisse, Svizzera

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Maps of Switzerland

The Swiss Confederation.	Switzerland in the Nineteenth Century: The Sonderbund War	Saxon Switzerland from Wehlen to Schandau	Holstein Switzerland
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COMMENTARY

my name is lola
29th March 2005

i am a showgirl

Edria Murray
Staff editor
22nd March 2005

In response to Tina:

70% of the land area of Switzerland is mountainous, with the remainder being an elevated central plateau. This terrain forms a natural defence which was particularly effective during the pre-avaiation era.

After the defeat of Napoleon, in 1815, the congress of Vienna declared Switzerland to be independent and permanently neutral. Military neutrality has been maintained ever since and has been respected by neighbouring countries throughout numerous conflicts including both World Wars.

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